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There is a bit of controversy and discussion happening right now about signings. Some stores require a purchase when hosting signings. The problem is, a lot of people now buy books in e format, so they have nothing to sign but they still want to meet the author. We’ve got a couple of emails asking about our view on it.
First, for the brick-and-mortar bookstores to survive, they must turn a profit. Requiring a purchase makes sense from the business standpoint. Obviously, the author benefits from this requirement. Authors tour to meet fans, but also to sell books, and books sold during the tour are counted toward bestseller lists such as NYT and USAT. However, what about those fans who have already purchased the book in other formats? Bookstores have no business interest in these readers, because they are not potential customers, but authors do. That’s why for a while we did meet and greets, but at first 15 people showed up, and now it’s more like 80-100. Unfortunately, that’s too many.
When you come to our signing, we will sign anything you put in front of us. Books, audio books, kindle covers, autograph notebooks, onesies – this comes up surprisingly more often than you would think, posters, etc. But when we visit the bookstore, we are bound by the rules of that bookstore. We are guests and we have to follow their policies. Please contact the store for signing policies. If you don’t want to purchase a book, but the store requires it, you can always come up to us before or after the signing and we will sign whatever you bring us.
There is really no etiquette as far as signings are concerned. Generally, we ask that people who have trouble walking or have small children get to the front of the line. We ask that those of you who bring more than five books, get your five signed and then wait until the end of the signing to get the additional books signed. And please don’t touch us without asking. We have no problem with friendly hugs and will hug you if you would like us to, but we had a couple of incidents that went too far. That’s pretty much it. Other authors might have their own takes on it, but most of it is usually common sense.
With this in mind, would you like us to do something for people who can’t attend signings? We can do a live Q&A, a Facebook Live event, or something similar for Hugh’s book, for example?
Ok, so one cocaine fueled orgy/brawl and it’s suddenly no touchey. Man you sold out.
Deal, dude. My way or the highway.
What are your feelings on mud wrestling?
Only ok if you’re John Candy and you just graduated basic.
lol I just watched Stripes the other day for the millionth time. And that’s a fact, Jack! Classic.
Ha, I knew someone would get it.
There is always jello
Or snow I live in Canada we always have snow. Seperates the men from the boys wrestling in the snow. Meanwhile this will probably sound absurd but do you ever leave the USA and say visit Canada?
+1
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You guys are so awesome?
Well, this escalated fast….
I’d love a FB live event – those are so much fun to watch, even when my family pokes their heads in my office to find out why I’m sniggering to myself in front of my computer – and leave shaking said heads. Eh, what do they know…Somewhat left of topic, I would also be a huge proponent of BDH swag being available to those of us who can’t make in-person events, perhaps through the website? Just a thought – I would be first in line yelling TAKE MY MONEY! But I wouldn’t touch anyone, promise 🙂
Well, we were talking about mud wrestling and Jell-O wrestling, so are you suggesting a FB event of that? O_O
You’re right, Lindis, this did escalate fast.
Ooh, ooh, fun!! ?
Swag? Like Bookplates? YES!!! Please!!! *kitty eyes* (((Ilona and Gordon)))
My philosophy is – honor thy personal space. I other words, “don’t block the box”
??
+1
I like the Q & A because we learn a bit more each time you have one.
Likewise, although if it’s possible to do on a Saturday, the odds are better that I can tune in. I totally understand if you don’t want to work on a weekend, so I’m just putting it out there for consideration.
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I have a question. The Penguin Random House giveaway you posted on your Blog. I was one of the winners and wanted to know if y’all would sign those Kate Daniels books I won? I’m going to try and attend one of your book signing, but I admit I haven’t called the book store yet in Georgia and asked for details surrounding the event.
I guess what I should ask, is if I can’t attend, can I sent the books to y’all with return postage included, would you sign them for me?
Cynthia,
We moved to a new place before Christmas and haven’t yet set up a p.o. box. We are looking into setting up a mail box type thing at a local shipping store. If we do that, we will update the website with an address to which you can send things like that. We will most likely check it weekly.
Thanks Gordon!
Hmmm… there is always the possibility that someone could by a new, unrelated book at the brick and mortar store and bring in an already owned copy of an IA book to be signed.. maybe. That would satisfy the store’s (perfectly reasonable) requirements and preclude the necessity of buying copy 2, 3, 4 etc of the book getting signed.
Also, the whole touching that went too far brings all sorts of stranger danger ick to mind…. some enthusiastic fan laying a big wet kiss on either one of you, some cheek grabbing, of the lower cheek variety….*shudders* Good luck avoiding fan over familiarity, and try to stay rested and sane with you schedule ?
We tend to bring everything by that author that we own and if we own everything, buy a second copy that doesn’t get signed to give away… usually the 2nd copy is an upgrade to an old copy that has already been “well loved” — to encourage the store to bring that author back again 🙂
Good idea!
The thing is, when do you come to northern Europe? You can crash at my place, I have an amazing brand new kitchen! ?
+1
Q and A please, because it’s fun and we learn cool stuff about the writing process. And you are generous with your time and effort to keep us happy. And we are very needy . But we are very supportive of your prodigious talent and writing. You write it and we inhale it rapidly, and ask
for more. Then we read it again and again. And laugh and cry each time .
Thank you
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+1. Q&A session in what ever way would be awesome
I am a dedicated e-book reader but generally if I’m going to a signing I love buying the paper copy of the book to get signed. It makes it special and I like to support the bricks and mortar stores when I can. Then again I have a habit of buying books I love in almost all formats eventually, so I’m not a good example. I figure if I wake up and suddenly there is no more electricity I will want to have all your books in paper format so I can remain sane and properly entertained during the post apocalyptic world. I too would love a Q&A of some sort…maybe a FB Live Q&A??? Not sure how that would work but hey it sounds good.
Hmmm – never thought of that possibility – the horror O_O!!!
I buy both. Most new releases are ebook but older books tend to be paper. My husband loves my ebooks because of space saved. Maybe I could convince him that if I buy duplicate in paper they can also act as insulation! LOL
I’m going with the zombie apocalypse justification. Maybe now I can convince my husband to let me buy more bookshelves.
True story.
Me: I want to get that amazing carpenter who did bookshelves for my office to build some custom bookshelves for the house.
Husband: We need to replace the carpet upstairs with new flooring. It is more important than bookshelves.
Me: But bookshelves make me happy.
Husband: New flooring makes me happy. It has to be done before we do any shelves.
Me: So I can have my shelves just as long as the floor gets done first!
Husband: *blank stare*
?
I have a solar charger for just such an eventuality. I may not be able to buy new ebooks, but I will be able to read what I have. (Also have a backup Kindle.)
I have back up Kindles as well AND a back up iPod. Must look into solar powered generator… 😉
Not cheap but worth the investment. I have to keep well flowing for animals so I can do that while charging electronics with my small gasoline powered generator. Unfortunately stove, microwave, and refrigerator ate kupt while power is out. Which happens on a regular basis here because I am rural rural and last house on the electric line. I have too many trees for house mounted solar array so….hope this help you.
I have a solar powered Luci light from REI. It has a USB port for charging phones, tablets, laptops etc. My daughter took hers camping so she could work on her art. Costs $35 and takes about a day to fully charge. I have used mine for reading dead-tree books during power outages. Some of the purchase price goes to solar products for developing countries. It’s an awesome product.
I love to read and I buy, with few exceptions, ebooks and your books are at the top of my list. I just don’t have the space to put that many paper books. I understand the reasoning behind a brick and mortar rules but I think once you are in their store there is chance you will make a purchase anyway. Probably not me because of my space issues, but that doesn’t apply to everyone.
Libraries need good books.
I have donated books to the library and still do in that I give books to a friend as a gift every year. The friend gives them back to me after reading to donate to the library. I follow several series and like to keep every book in the series until the series ends and sometimes keep to read again. Between that and other favorite books I have bought in the past before I did the ebook thing, my shelves are jammed.
Schuler Books still does not have you up on their Upcoming Events calendar. They are showing who is coming the week before so… The other thing I noticed its all other of their signings are paid ticketed events. Any idea how many tickets might be available and when and how much? Is anyone in the BDH from Grand Rapids that could check in with the Book Store and share? The only point of contact listed is a phone number and it is a cross border call for me so I would prefer to only call once to order my ticket. Thanks in advance.
Let me check on that.
I left a message for the coordinator at Schuler’s. I’ll let you know what she says.
After reading all of your blog entries on your site I am glad that I am not an author. I cannot believe that people get overly touchy feely. No I can believe it and it is so sad that you must comment on unwanted touching. The things beside writing that authors must do and allow. With all the hassles thank you for continuing to write stories for us. When I read your material I feel as if I am listening to a slightly quirky friend and enjoy it immensely. Again thank you for all that you do for the BDH.
A quilt blogger I follow does a FB Live often, then embeds the recording in her blog the next day. That way, anyone who can’t participate live can at least see what others asked/talked about. She does some on weekday evenings and some on weekend afternoons. Her European followers don’t have to stay up until the middle of the night to participate. Since the BDH is all over the globe, embedding the recording would reach all of us. But I have no idea how do it. I just know that it can be done.
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Love this idea. That way we could all see it!
I already own all of your books. Don’t need you to sign any of them….. but if you come to Canada, you’re welcome to drop by for a glass of wine. No touching, I promise.
Yes, please come to Canada! There is no snow in Ottawa right now, I promise :-). We have delicious poutine (french fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy) and fans who would love to meet you!
+1 re embeded vid
+1 — I have no idea how to watch something on facebook, but I would love to see it later on the blog.
+ I have no doubt that our superwoman Ilona can do it.
+1.
Facebook live on an evening (#timezonepain) or a Q&A would be much appreciated by your Aussie BDH….
+1 I cancelled my FB account a few months ago.
I’m not a touchy person with people who are not family. I can’t imagine having to hug a bunch of strangers. Yikes! 🙂
I would love a Q&A too!
You’re so generous with the BDH–thank you!
We really are insatiable. For instance, tomorrow is Eid, but I think I am looking forward to Maud’s story getting posted more than I will enjoy finally being able to eat and drink during the day! Eeek! 🙂
Hahaha I get what you mean. I’ve finally finished my exams and tomorrow will be my first chance to rest, but all I can think about is the next chapter of the novella.
Hope Eid goes well! (I’m sorry, I don’t know the proper greeting.)
Thanks Vicki! We say “Eid Mubarak” or you can say “Happy Eid!”
Congrats on finishing! Reading the novella is great mental relaxation, especially after taxing yourself on exams 🙂
Eid Mubarak!
Seconded!
Thank you for telling me, Sakinah. Eid Mubarak. 🙂
You’re very welcome!
Thanks for the Eid wishes, all ?
If I already own an e-copy I usually buy a print one and use it as “gateway drug” to entice people into the same addiction I suffer from. That tactic works great, especially if it’s a signed copy.
Which is why Ilona usually rolls her eyes when I wander up with a book for them to sign because they’ve done so many other times. 😉
I am also a book-pusher. Never get them signed for myself, but I give them as presents. BWAHAHAHAH! Works every time.
If I were running the bookstore, I’d put out all the backlist… Especially books in other series. You’re there signing for KD? Then put out all the Hidden Legacy and Edge books, put out the anthologies… Someone who only knows the author from one series now sees that there are many more… And, while they’re standing in line with the first book in another series, maybe they’ll read a bit of it and buy the whole series.
No, I’ve *never* done that… not me… That’s why we have more than 5k books in our house… we tend to buy EVERYTHING.
Do they count swag for the purchase, if they get a cut of the profit? I am trying to prevent myself from sliding over the edge into collecting, myself, but I still love having a signed paper copy. If I already had a copy of the book in question, though, I would never be opposed to buying a shirt instead. Especially if it was a BDH shirt with an appropriately maniacal logo.
When you say that those with small children should get to the front of the line, do you mean I should get there really early? Or are we supposed to cut in front of people? Would feel bad about that. I’m trying to find a baby sitter, but wanted to know incase that fell through. So excited to meet you!
It depends on how your child is feeling. If by the end of the signing, the baby is crying, we will be happy to accommodate you by allowing you to get your goodies signed first. An hour is along time to sit still.
Anyone got a kid they could lend me for a bit? 😛
The last Ilona Andrews signing I was at, after we had all been there a while, there were some folks with some super tired kids and babies. Ilona and Gordon asked us all to let those folks get their stuff signed ahead of us and no one minded as far as I could tell, we were all having a good time getting to know each other in line. Clearly the kids had had all they could take and it was only a slight delay for the rest of us. So if you can’t get a babysitter don’t skip the signing. The BDH is a pretty kind group all in all and you never know when writers you love will be able to get back to your area for a signing. <3
Something for those of us who can’t attend a signing would be awesome! I know at least one or two authors who’ve had promotions set up that if you pre-ordered their book in any format and emailed in a receipt, they would send you a signed bookmark or some other format of fun swag (I’ve seen notebooks, pins, colouring books, bookmarks, etc). I don’t know if that’s doable for you, but it would be extra awesome if it did work. But if not, a live thing would be fun! Basically none of the authors I love ever do signings in my small city in the middle of Canada or even really anywhere near me (and I’m including a 5 hour drive in “near”). So live things are usually about as close as I can get. 🙂
I’m in Australia. I have yet to meet any of my favourite foreign authors. No one ever comes this far ? (except Neil Gaiman upon occasion).
(me, looking across the ocean for my favourite authors *cough* Ilona & Gordon *cough*
Lol, that photos pretty tempting…trying to tempt the ALs over to sunnier climes? ?
Oh wow. Just beautiful. I would love to come but I don’t write. Someday
Nalini Singh is close by in New Zealand. I think she goes up to Aussieland occas9.
*occasionally. WTF, autocorrect? You’re supposed to finish my sentences.
LOVE the picture. Kind of like my Florida, but even prettier!
I’d love a Q&A as long as you don’t have to answer what it’s like to write with your husband. Lol. I think you’ve answered that 10 billion times?
Have you thought of doing meet and greets at a nearby public library? They very often host the event for free and have more space.
They have done those. It was really fun, and the Austin Library did a great job with snacks and drinks.
I buy both. And often but multiple hard copies because I always ruin them. I’ll continue to buy a hard copy if y’all are in town doing signings. Thank you for doing these!
I only buy e-books. I’ve seen one author speak in person and it was a charity event complete with meal. I’ve never attended a live author signing but watch my favorite authors on You Tube. The only authors who come to Tulsa are usually those invited because they’ve won an award of some kind or local authors. Putting an event with Q&A on You Tube is my preference. I can watch it at my leisure, even in chunks of time. I watched the Briggs/Bishop one and enjoyed it. They are the next best thing to being there! Also, they are available for a longer length of time than the couple of days a Facebook event exists before it gets lost in the feed.
The Q&A sounds divine!
Off topic here but at least there is not 600 comments yet. Wanted to say thanks again for great free reads. Rough week spectrum cable exploded here. Expensive car repairs. New ebooks starting at $13.99 feeling overwhelmed. Great stories great characters for free! Thank you and bless you!
Does the bookstore require the purchase of a book? Can it be some other merchandise? Perhaps you can expand your inventory to include items that are based on the books. You’ve offered stuffed Curran lions. You both have wonderful imaginations. I’m sure coming up with something wouldn’t be a problem. How about sword-shaped book marks. Hyena shaped stuffed animals. Book-bags with favorite quotes.
No. We have nothing to do with the way stores acquire stocks. They order books from the distributors. What you are describing is swag, typically produced by authors at their expense and given away.
Hold on. Stuffed Curran lions?? How did I miss this?!?
I live nowhere near any place that usually gets author signings (One day, DragonCon, one day). An AMA or something similar might be nice though. 🙂
I now buy only ebooks-having said that: My daughter goes to San Diego comic con and was kind enough to stand in line with her 3 month old baby and buy a copy of Wildfire and get it signed for me. I find these authors so generous with their time that I’m happy to own their books in 2 formats! (Also I agree with previous comments that I need paper books in case of an apocalypse)
Preferably not Facebook as I don’t use it. A Youtube recording of some kind would be brilliant as a don’t think a UK signing sounds imminent! Failing that Q & A are always great. Or, talking through a decision to delete/edit a short extract would be really interesting. (Would that cause copywrite issues?)
I agree with Anna. A recording of some kind would be great , I am greedy enough that I would love a Q and A as well. As you will never come to England that is my only way of seeing you both.
Either Facebook/YouTube Q&A with the links posted in the BDH’s Forum in an “Index Doc” of where to find previously posted stuff sorted by series/points of view…
If you ever return to Oregon, Eugene has 4+ Colleges, airport, Amtrak, & Greyhound and ~3 bookstores that could host you for an event. I offer you my bedroom(en suite bathroom & automatic espresso machine (gotta get the cream from the kitchen))–I can sleep in basement. Guaranteed NO touching by any human housemates, no guarantees about the dogs/cats—will put them in another room.
I really agree that doing something for those who can’t make a signing is great, mainly because I have been to a signing. You two were so great! I had a real blast.
It doesn’t seem fair that just because I am crazy – uh, I mean lucky – enough to live in Houston, I can enjoy repartee and bad (sometimes anyway) jokes with Ilona and Gordon. Everyone should be able to groan at the jokes and wince at the dialog.
I am sure that those who are boosting the FaceBook event don’t realize that not everybody has an account. I have no idea what would be better, if anything, but I’m sure many someones will enlighten us. (It’s what we (the BDH) do.)
If you do Q & A, might I suggest asking for questions ahead of time. It would give you time to research any answers that need it. It would also cut down on “dead air” waiting for someone to get brave enough to ask a question…
Thank you for putting up with us (the fangirls and fanboys) and allowing us to ask silly questions that you’ve answered before. We appreciate it so much. Not as much as we appreciate how well you write, but you will just have to live with the adoration.
Bookstores need selling to live but buying something you already own isn’t always possible. It’s difficult but both parties are understandable.
I only have a question: do you attend signings in Europe?
I would love a live Q & A even though I am going to try and make a signing. There is always something new or something worded in a new way that sheds light on characters. Basically I am greedy. (Sorry not sorry! ?)
So the Alpha Showdown is at Kate Daniels, Conor Rogan, Mercy Thompson and either Adam or Charles.
I don’t think characters by the same author should compete against each other.
Those are the two authors that I will take the day off from work when they have a new book come out, because otherwise I’d be up to 5am finishing the book.
I do this too.
Me three!!!
Same here.
First I’ve bought books athat signings to thank the bookstore. I pay a lot more at cons for an autograph of someone I’m a fan of. Second my favorite autographotos horror story is when norman reedus had on a tshirt that said Bite Me and a fan did, right on the chest , so scary.
Oh my!
Just a thought. When I met a well known author (James Herriot), he had arthritis in his hand that limited what he could sign at public meetings (which he had a couple times a month at his vet clinic). He pre-signed book plates (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/02/gorgeous-bookplates_n_5065222.html), which he’d hand out to people after visiting with them.
I cannot get to most of your in-person appearances. I’d gladly take a signed book plate. I’d even pay for it & return postage as well. The idea of what you could design for your own custom book plates makes me a bit giddy.
Having been to one of your signings – thank you for being accessible and as wonderful in person as you come across online!
Thank you, Ilona Andrews. I prefer to buy paperbacks as they are portable everywhere. Dad in his last years preferred ebooks as then he could magnify words so he could read them. That said it is bookstores choice as is their business.whether to require book purchase or not.
Regarding those happy huggers and others, I personally have a 5 foot personal space and sneaking up behind me to hug me is not pretty. It is a violation of my personal space. On the othe r hand I have a sibling who is a happy hugger. So do what is best for you.
When you came to Woodstock last year and signed my Nook, I made certain to buy something at the store too. It’s just basic good manners!
Living in Switzerland I’m unable to attend any signings (unless one day you should decide to come to the Comic Con Fantasy in Basel), I would welcome a FB live event!
I am not a hugger but I did hug the policeman that helped me when I was lost last week. I was just so grateful but I did ask first.
I am constantly amazed and appreciative of the topics you address head on. I think it’s your consideration and sensitivity to all the various circumstances your fans may be in that I find most noteworthy. Yes, its also good business acumen and I applaud that, too, but you clearly also genuinely care.
Had no clue you’d have to draw lines so implacably, either, because of idiots who fail to recognize courteous behavior regarding your persons/personal space. That’s my own naïveté. It doesn’t surprise me when I think about this for stars in other industry; clearly “you can’t fix stupid” broadly applies to fans across all industry.
I also took it as logical/good business/right hand – left hand and so on that a book signing at a book store means you buy a book at THAT store. While being ignorant of the percantage of a purchase price the store may garner, it still just makes sense. Nor did I know you signed copies of anything other than the specific release being promoted at that time. Wow.
Being YOU is an exhausting business.
With cut rate pricing in so many places, I often wonder how the heck authors make a living anymore. Self-publishing may alleviate some loss of revenue to the middle tier, but it seems to also demand a much higher ratio of personal mileage into the outcome AND your per book price isn’t as high.
I become exhausted just trying to get through all the comments when there are several hundred on a post and I often refrain commenting myself. What’s left to be said after so many go before? LoL. Especially when I simply agree with most of it. And you have to read them all regardless, to police the site. Argggghhhh.
Alternately, I LOVE the comments – even when I run out of steam trying to read them all after a 12 hour work day – because I’m fascinated by their varying perspectives on the storylines. Like ALL the BDH, I read and reread and re listen more than all the prior authors I’ve loved for decades because your books just have MORE. More of the quirks and details and lush character richness and emotional engagement anyone else achieves so consistently across so many fabulous stories. I revel in it.
I’ll go back to quietly reveling in the background, but thank you. Looking forward to seeing you in Houston.
I have all of your books in e-format, and when my husband and I found them in the bookstores, we got so excited that we bought them all again just to have a hard copy for our “library”. I have no problem if the bookstore requires a purchase, I’d be happy to pay to meet the authorlords. It would be a sad day when the brick and mortar bookstores close due to low sales.
Hi! On the issue of newsletters, I am not getting one. I checked my Spam folder and no joy. I signed up at the very end of May because I wanted to see the Curran Twitter, but I don’t seem to be having any luck.
I am now concerned that I did something wrong during sign up. I would really like to see that Curran Twitter! 🙂
I fixed it. 🙂
THANK YOU!
The Curran twitter was posted on the blog the other day 🙂
I am a big believer in supporting book stores, wish I could attend. Very much appreciate your blog, newsletter, the weekly Innkeeper chapters, and enjoy how you are so forthright. A Facebook Q & A would be awesome. Thank you so much.
I’m not able to go to a signing for living in the German Alpes ;-). As far as I know most of the signings by foreign authors are done in Berlin … , so a Q&A that I could access at my leisure (the timeline nobody knows to fix) would be lovely.
For the book format: This family prefers printed copies and normally you can find a book in any of our bags, backpacks and purses at any time. I only read mobile because of the “book”-budget we’re on and those are a bit cheaper – the books for the kids (4x) are priority. By the way the photo is an image I found on the internet somewhere and it looks quite like my home-office. Students coming in for tutoring always ask Yes I do/did and there are lots more in the other rooms …
Ooops, somewhere parts of my posting got lost!
It should say: Students coming in for tutoring always ask “Have you read them all?”
you should post a digital signature here your fans can copy paste onto their ebooks, audiobooks and kindle lololol
Something for your international fans would be great. I know you have readers all around the world, so a couple of web type events that could cover different time zones would be great. I know that the chances of actual face to face events in Europe are slim but I live in perpetual hope! At least in the ?? the most your likely to get is a polite hand shake, not that as a nation we are against hugging but most people reserve that for those who are known in person, or if we are feeling more cosmopolitan, an air kiss on the cheek, but never if someone is sitting.
First of all, I totally enjoy the shared sense of humor between the two of you. That dynamic is one of the reasons I so very much enjoy your writing!
Second, whatever you both do in terms of QA that’s great by me. I like them when the are taped because I can listen to them when I’m available.
Third, many blessings to you both for your work and going into public. Most of the stuff I have read on this forum suggests that the majority of fans aresocially skilled. The blessings are for the times when you meet peeps that are a little too enthusiastic.
Lastly, just thank you very much again! ??
Facebook live or live Q&A like last one you guys did is. Whatever is easy and convenient for you.
I’d also love an online Q&A, and echo those who would like it saved for some time after, in case I can’t make the “live” event. While you do occasionally come to San Diego, I am going to be laid up for a while this summer (hip replacement surgery), so won’t be able to attend if you are here.
So… yes please to an on line event!
I’m going to Dragon Con this year for the first time just to see you two!! I buy mostly ebooks, But you two will sign anything outside of a bookstore? ???
I have an idea that might work for BDH and ALs. Websites like Patricia Briggs
Print T shirts, posters, etc.for sale, which must be a real pain with ordering and stocking sizes and colors. An alternative would be for you to sell a reverse picture that could be downloaded, then we could print it on transfer paper and decorate our own Tees or bags or whatever. You make the money, get free advertising every time someone sees our stuff, and have no hassle with stock or shipping.
Also, a bookmark for my kindle books would be great —- oh — wait.
Tee hee hee.
A FAQ recorded or live would be fun. I will watch!
+ 1 ( perhaps something matching Europe time?)
personally I am toho awed of prospect of meeting you even online to ask something. Saying hello would probably be top performance for me ?.
I second that!!!
A Facebook event would be awesome. I pre ordered mine from kindle and your signings are never near me.
I second the live as I buy everything on kindle and I don’t think you’re coming to Japan any time soon
The comment about getting too close reminds me of the soldiers advancing on Catatlina.
A live Q and A would be amazing!
Also, I so hope you’ll visit Europe soon 🙂
Your emails always end up in either my Junk or Quarantine folders, never my inbox. Each time I “Whitelist” the address, but the subsequent mail comes from a different address, so goes into Quarantine. Since the end of May, the mails I’ve caught and whitelisted have come from:
brandi.bolden202=gmail.com@mail152.sea71.mcsv.net
brandi.bolden202=gmail.com@mail68.atl51.rsgsv.net
brandi.bolden202=gmail.com@mail114.sea61.rsgv.net
brandi.bolden202=gmail.com@mail207.atl171.mcdlv.net
brandi.bolden202=gmail.com@mail33.suw91.mcdl.net
brandi.bolden202=gmail.com@mail183.atl161.mcsv.net
You get the picture? I’m giving up on trying to clear you for my inbox and just remembering to check junk and quarantine before I clear ’em.
Most mail apps have the ability to set up a filter. If you are using google mail, go to the little sprocket on the top right, click on it then on settings and on the top of that page will be a spot that says filters and blocked addresses. Click there and set up a new filter using brandibolden and place it in a folder or send it to inbox. I have literally set up 2 dozen filters and even more folders to sort my mail automatically. Other mail apps can do the same. Yahoo mail is a little harder to find, but also doable.
This is happening because you originally decided to trace the email to see if it’s spam. It’s not us, it’s your email server. It always comes from the same address on our end.
Here, if you click the link, it goes here: https://mailchimp.com/about/mcsv-static
Thank you for always thinking of all of us in the BDH!
As an Italy based fan, I’d prefer a youtube recording rather than a live on FB, but as long as I can see it later I don’t mind!
If it’s going to be a Q&A, can we have a blog post in which we can comment with our questions? A sort of collection you pick from, so who can’t attend the live could have a chance to ask something anyway.
Bookplates would be awesome. I don’t know the logistics or expenses of it but Anne Bishop sends them every year to local and international readers: maybe you could ask her (or her collaborator on the FB page)?
What are bookplates?
It’s a sticker-tag signed by the author and you can put it on your books (or wherever you want!)
Let’s see if I can attach a picture here…
2nd the bookplates.
One of my most treasured items is a bookplate signed by Anne McCaffery. She had issues with the mail delivery to her Ireland country home, Dragonhold – Underhill.
People were sending 1st additions to be signed and they were getting ruined on the way there. So she set up an email request system so that the bookplates could be personalized. Mine was for the first book I read my to daughter out loud – “No One Noticed the Cat”. Even more precious because my daughter is so profoundly dyslexic, she’s never been able to read to herself.
Ditto bookplates also get them from Anne bishop. And/or a printed book page from the new book signed with a msg is really cool I received that from April White and her descendants series, which I framed and adore!!
A live Q&A please. That would be awesome.
??? my face when I read about the touching going too far. Bless you for allowing any touching at all after that.
Looking forward to the signing w y’all and Grace this fall!
I don’t understand people who don’t understand personal space… if ANYONE attempted to touch me or even hug me without my consent…. They’d be on the floor…. Do they not understand physical boundaries… especially when you are practically strangers. Honestly that blows my mind at the ignorance. Touching without permission is physical/sexual assault … And even if you have brought the e-book, and you go to a BOOKSTORE, common courtesy dictates you make a purchase, if you already have a copy of the authors book… buy another book its not rocket science…… RUDE.
Yes! I have a lot of e-books, but if I know I’m going to get a signature, I’ll buy a copy to go on my bookshelf.
+1
As an electronic version reader. Buying a book, then donating it to a library would have a dual success.
Excellent idea!
Some of us buy your books on line the second they come out (because there isn’t a bookstore in town) but when “we” drag our ass into Austin, then hit the B&N and buy a couple of the printed versions. One for ourselves and another for either a grandkid or probably a niece… ?
I went to an event for Charlaine Harris at a very small college in rural Pennsylvania, Shippensburg U., with a gorgeous new auditorium. There was no admission fee and parking was free. On stage, she read an essay she had written for the campus literary journal (funny, about vampires), then had twenty minutes of Q&A. This appearance was at the peak of the SVM popularity, and I was not sure why, of all the places she could go she chose Shippensburg, but, I was happy because it was a two-hour drive and I was able to go (and so were around 200 other fans). Your post made me think of her event, because the fans had a free, comfortable seat and no obligation to make an on-site purchase. Afterward she had a book signing in the lobby that her publisher must have arranged, the books were gorgeously stacked with book props and posters on a table. No one was buying them, the announcement did not mention a signing and everyone had brought their own copies just in case she might be signing them afterward. It was an excellent event for her fans. Another event that sounds great for authors is an invitation from JD Robb/Nora Roberts to stay for a weekend at her Inn Boonesboro in Boonesboro, MD with fans in the other 15 rooms, then have a signing at her bookstore down the street. The Inn is cozy and renovated to her high standards, and located near Antietam battlefield and lots of cornfields.
Local bookstore (tiny) had a signing for a popular essayist. They rented space for it and then offered tickets for $25 for the first 50 attendees, who had to purchase tickets 7 days in advance. Ticket holders got first 5 row seating, everyone else got general seating. If nobody bought the tickets, the event would be cancelled. There were about 150-200 people who came. The book store had tables in the back for people who wanted to buy the latest book or order older publications.
Please come to Scotland to do a signing and I will buy anything the shop wants me to ?
I’m yet another eBook person, and now that I have doctors orders to get all the paper out of my life, I’ve had to give away the Willa Cather & Owen Wister books inscribed to my grandmother. I prefer that you spend more time writing. That said, if you could do an online reading, I’d love that.
ICK…………….. The fact that you have to even post about touching is concerning. Again you guys are too nice. Thanks for the great stories sorry about all of the other junk you have to put up with.
I thought spam was supposed to be in a kitchen. But now we know it’s in the Inn kitchen. I wonder what kind od delicious meals that chef will make with them.
I’m still not receiving the news letter. I’ve checked my spam folder. Boy they’re some crazy stuff in my spam folder but no news letter. The website says I’m signed up. I’ll probably continue to stalk the website ?
I’d love to see a Facebook event. If you go for “live”, could you make sure it’s recorded as well? My timeslots might not fit yours!!!
I live in Germany and am soon moving to Thailand, so I’d prefer something I could have watch online without having to deal with timezones. My vote is for YouTube, etc. Regarding purchases at signings, I would always be happy to buy a paper copy to support brick and mortar stores. I usually buy the e-book when new releases are out, and the paper copy of books I love because I still would always rather read a real book. The smell of ink and paper, y’all. Can’t beat a mom and pop used bookstore.
Stupid typos.
I met you when you came to New York Comic Con. I forget what book you guys were promoting… I want to say it was Nevada’s first book. But you guys went out of your way to sign a book for my friend who was at the time stationed at an American military base in South Korea. She said your books were some of the only things that helped her morale while on base since as a woman it was pretty tough for her abroad. She’s now back in the USA working at the Pentagon in DC (yeah she’s a badass) but she was so touched by your generosity to sign a book for her when I asked.
A Facebook Live would be great in any kind of format. I might not be able to watch it Live but would definitely watch the recorded version!
A live facebook event would be so awesome! Please do it during weekends or non office hours.
I am a huge fan and listen to all your books via audio. So sadly if I go to a signing I don’t have an actual book. Cool giveaways for audio and kindle lovers like me would be signed posters, signed small stuffed toys, signed photo frames, signed ARCs, signed special print copies of your books. Thank you
Would you be willing to mail or give away or have available for purchase bookplates?
I’d love to see a Q&A — I know you get many of the same questions time and time again, and I’m sorry-not-sorry about that, but hopefully *some* of us come up with something new for you — but expect that I personally wouldn’t ever go on Facebook for it. Could you perhaps share the recorded video on YouTube or Vimeo or here after, if you do decide to do that?